A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Juan vs. Colorado Springs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Juan or Colorado Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit San Juan or Colorado Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: San Juan or Colorado Springs?

San Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state of Colorado. It is located in the northeastern tip of the south central region of the state and is in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and alpine trees. It is also referred to as "America's Olympic City" because it is the location of the United States Olympic Training Center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or San Juan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $192, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Juan and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Juan $124
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Juan $248
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in San Juan or Colorado Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Juan


Hotels in Colorado Springs


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Juan Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Juan $14
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Mendoza: One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $25
  • Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan(SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Río Grande: $68
  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Centennial Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Airport DEN - Departure Private Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer from Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Denver Airport: $218
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $186
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Winter Park to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and San Juan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Juan $36
    Colorado Springs $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
  • City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $86
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Juan $49
    Colorado Springs $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.

  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
  • Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
  • Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
  • Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $25
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
  • History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • Ron del Barrilito Skip-the-Line Heritage Tour Ticket: $46

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour Broadmoor History Segway Tour: $72
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $72
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $108
  • 3 Hours Private Ice Climbing Experience in Colorado: $240
  • Astronomy Tour: $45
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $245
  • Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour: $78
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $78
  • Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $94
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Luxury Jeep Tours: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Juan $12
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $93
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $94
  • Driving Brewery Tour of Colorado Springs: $115


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan and Colorado Springs, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Colorado Springs is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Colorado Springs.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Juan or Colorado Springs?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of San Juan and Colorado Springs, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit San Juan or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Juan or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Colorado Springs. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Juan is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

San Juan usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Juan 28°C (83°F) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Juan is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Colorado Springs averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in San Juan. In October, San Juan usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Juan 28°C (82°F) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and San Juan during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, San Juan is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 25°C (77°F), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

San Juan usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Juan 25°C (77°F) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit San Juan or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Colorado Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

San Juan is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In April, San Juan usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Juan 26°C (79°F) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and San Juan

San Juan Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)